Details of this species in Denmark Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Reported
Source: MacDonald and Harrington, 2003 Arrival Date: 1930
Introduction: Unintentional (accidentally) Species Notes for this Location:
Mustela vison (American mink) were introduced to Europe for fur farming. Contrary to most other countries, fur farming is still a thriving business in Denmark. The highest numbers of wild mink are found in areas with the highest concentration of mink farms (Hammershoj and Asferg, 1999). Analysis has shown that at least 78% of the mink population has been wild for less than a year (Hammershoj, 2004). Management Notes for this Location:
The annual mink bag has increased from less than 1000 in the 1970s to 7000-8000 in the past five years.
Escaped fur animals which are not recaptured within two months are considered game, and hence can be hunted/controlled throughout the year. A recent government order placed restrictions on mink farmers in an attempt to minimise farm escapes. Impacts:
Disease transmission: 4.3% of examined mink in a Danish study tested postive for antibodies to Aleutian disease virus (ADV) (Hammershoj, 2004).
Predation: Mustela vison are having a serious impact on ground-nesting birds along coasts and on islands in the Baltic Sea (Walday and Kroglund, undated). Last Modified: 13/03/2006 12:34:07 p.m.
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